New course in Emden: Students strengthen their dealings with digitization

New course in Emden: Students strengthen their dealings with digitization

In a world in which digitization is progressing, many people face the challenge of using digital media effectively and healthy. At the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, this problem was taken into account. With a newly developed course, the students should be helped to better manage the exuberant influence of digital technologies.

background of the course

The idea for this special course came about during Coronapandemie when the entire teaching took place digitally. "The students found it stressful to sit on the computer all day," reports Anne Schweizer, Vice President of Digitization and Communication at the University. Many found the interaction and exchange in the anonymity of the screen. For this reason, a concept was developed that is supposed to stimulate critical reflection on its own use of digital media.

First results and feedback

In the past semester, the course was tested for the first time with a group of fifteen participants from various fields of study. In weekly meetings, basic questions were discussed, such as the influence of social media on personal well -being and the challenges in digital space. So far, the feedback from the students has been consistently positive, which Anne Swiss confidently is: "The format has a clear added value," said Schweizer. Another test semester is planned for the coming summer to further develop the event based on the feedback from the participants.

practical application projects for students

A particularly innovative aspect of the course are the so -called "heart projects". These projects encourage students to get involved outside the digital world and pursue their own interests. Examples range from the creation of a garden to health and sports projects. These activities offer a valuable opportunity for self -experience and are contrasting with digital flooding. "These projects enable students to win new perspectives," explains Anne Schweizer.

The importance of the course

The relevance of this course extends beyond the borders of the university. At a time when the integration of digital technologies into education and everyday life is essential, the program represents an important step to enable young adults to have a healthier relationship with digitization. As part of the research project "Future Skills Applied", it is examined how different universities of applied sciences in Lower Saxony can design teaching in the digital age.

In a constantly changing digital environment, the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences shows a sensible answer to the challenges of digitization with this course. The success of this initiative could not only be important to the participants, but also to the wider community, while we continue to learn how we can use the advantages of the digital world without their negative effects.